The word "hygiene" came from the Greek hygieinos - "bringing health, healing". And your baby needs not just a mother, but a healthy mother! So remember the elementary in the cycle of cares of the first months. True, the concept of "elementary hygiene" will become more extensive than usual: washing your hands and taking a shower is required more often. But you will save yourself and a crumb of infections, to which you are especially susceptible in the postpartum period. But we will make a reservation right away - without fanaticism! Sterility with medicinal hygiene has nothing to do. The rules of hygiene for a newborn child are an actual topic today.
Intimate process
Your sexual organs must return to their previous size within 8 weeks. By the time the baby was born, the uterus weighed about 1 kg, but during the postpartum period it will decrease to 50 g. Its inner surface now resembles a solid wound - after the placenta is separated there are many open blood vessels. And the uterus gradually decreases, decreases, about two months do not stop abundant spotting. Naturally, we must not allow infection! Under normal conditions, your immunity will cope with a harmful bacterium and inflammation will not begin. Now, when microbes have more chances to get into the bloodstream, the purity needs to be monitored with special care. Do not just wash yourself in the morning, but in the evening, but after every visit to the toilet. First, wash the external genitalia, then the skin of the thighs and, lastly, the area of the anus. It is important that bacteria from the anus are not in contact with the vagina. Use baby or ordinary toilet soap. But not more than once a day! Otherwise, you can dry the delicate skin. After urinating, rinse thoroughly with clean water. Did you get stitches in the perineum? Try not to touch them with your hands. It is enough to send a jet from the shower to them. Your task is not to allow an environment favorable for the reproduction of microorganisms in the region of the genital organs. And they are very fond of synthetics, moisture and cramping. Previously, the maternity hospitals were not even allowed to wear underwear! Today the rules are not so strict, and disposable cotton panties will come in handy. Change them and pads (suitable special postpartum or usual for very abundant secretions) as often as possible! Bed linen and homewear are also used exclusively from natural fabrics - cotton or linen. In the first weeks after childbirth it is advisable to update the sheets every day.
Do not be lazy!
Take into account the fact that all household chemicals should be suitable for baby. It is convenient to use a hypoallergenic infant powder marked "0+" for washing everything that is in the house. Only load children's clothes into the washing machine separately from other things. During childbirth, the baby crushes the rectum and bladder to the pelvic wall. And as a result, the nerve endings of these organs lose sensitivity. At first you can not feel the urge to urinate. However, a full bladder prevents the uterus from contracting. So do not forget to empty it every 2-3 hours. A simple physiological reflex will help you: the sound of running water. To go to the toilet in a big way will not want before 2-3 days after the birth. And to prevent constipation, include in your diet more prunes, fresh yogurt and vegetable oil. Baby these natural products just do not hurt. When the uterus decreases, you experience slightly painful sensations, as if during menstruation. To accelerate the process will help an ice bubble, which must be applied to the stomach. In maternity hospitals there is usually ice. At home, try to lie more often on your stomach - this contributes to the outflow of the contents of the uterus and its reduction.
Velvet hands
"Did you wash your hands?" - the first question that my mom asks when he returns from work wants to take a baby. And the same question is heard by grandparents. Hands are washed as often as possible! And especially my mother tries - after intimate hygiene, before changing the diaper ... Approximately a couple of dozen hikes to the washbasin a day! However, the skin of the hands does not stand such a test. There is irritation on her. How to prevent trouble? First, my hands with soap do not every time. Sometimes just rinse them with water. Secondly, in no case do not use antibacterial soap or other aggressive detergents. To deal with microbes is enough delicate baby soap. By the way, for the common soul it will suit either gel, to which you have long been accustomed. Do not try to get clean! The baby is even useful to have a little contact with the bacteria that are in the apartment. So he naturally trains his immunity. Be guided by the principle: it is better to wash frequently, but do not aspire to total disinfection. Douching with a solution of potassium permanganate, rubbing your hands with alcohol - all this is superfluous. Your best friend now is ordinary clean water. In the third, on a table with children's cosmetics "have settled" also a jar with a cream for hands. Moisturize the skin as often as possible.
Help with hemorrhoids
Varicose veins of the rectum are a frequent companion of pregnancy and the postpartum period. Only do not prescribe medicines yourself. Ointments and suppositories are recommended by the doctor. Hemorrhoidal nodes still appeared? Use not toilet paper, but cotton or children's sanitary napkins. After each act of defecation, wash yourself with cool water. Cold is a good remedy for pain with hemorrhoids. It will help to apply compresses from the ice to the anus (only through the tissue layer!) Glycerin suppositories for softening the stool are the only medication that you can buy at the pharmacy itself. But the tool is very effective.
Down with the crack!
One of the most impractical advice that can be given to a nursing mother is to wash the nipples with soap before and after each feeding. And if there are cracks - grease them with greenery. Fortunately, such recommendations already almost nowhere give. The skin around the nipple (on the entire areola) is covered with bactericidal grease. It protects the crumb from infections, and the nipples - from cracks. But washing with soap flushes the lubricant, therefore, provokes skin irritation and cracks. For the hygiene of the chest, a normal daily shower is enough, when you wash the entire body with soap. In addition, do not forget to lubricate the areola with your milk after each feeding. This will save her even more from damage.
Sex after childbirth? Possible nuances
Doctors do not recommend starting sexual activity before you stop bleeding from the vagina. And you yourself hardly want to - the libido immediately after childbirth is concentrated exclusively on the baby. However, the absence of classical sex is not a hindrance to love! Explain to your husband that you will have to wait with affinity. But against the kisses, tender embraces and oral caresses, doctors do not have anything. When the inner surface of the uterus completely heals (after 6-8 weeks after delivery), you are already adapting to your new role and the sexual desire will wake up. But do not forget to protect yourself, if you do not plan any weather! A common myth: during breastfeeding, you can not become pregnant. In 10% of cases - it is possible! So you need extra protection from an unplanned pregnancy. It is best to use condoms. In occasion of oral contraceptives, always consult a doctor. Preparations should be compatible with breastfeeding. Kroh does not need hormones! Do not be afraid of the dryness of the vagina, which occurs after childbirth. While will help out lubricants. But after the completion of lactation, everything will return to normal.